Introduction
Luodian Artemisia argyi is one of the top ten Miao medicines in Guizhou province, and it is also one of the key traditional Chinese medicinal herbs developed in Guizhou. It is mainly wild, with over 100 years of artificial cultivation history. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was already a well-known medicinal herb. Luodian Artemisia argyi is a characteristic ethnic medicinal resource in Luodian, and the artemisia leaves are processed into artemisia powder through distillation technology. The artemisia powder can be further refined to produce natural ice flakes that can inhibit the growth of Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. It is the main component of many traditional Chinese medicines. Luodian County is known as the "natural greenhouse," and the original habitat of Artemisia argyi is mainly distributed in the southern towns and valleys of the county, such as Hongshui River, Luo Su, Luo Tuo, Luo Kun, Gou Ting, Ban Ren, Long Ping, and Feng Ting. In March 2012, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine approved the implementation of geographical indication product protection for Luodian Artemisia argyi.
Production Status
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Luodian Artemisia argyi was already a well-known medicinal herb. In the late 1990s, natural ice flakes production was gradually restricted due to the increasing market share of synthetic ice flakes. During this period, "Luodian Artemisia argyi" once declined. Since the beginning of the 21st century, with the development of society, the demand for natural, healthy, and environmentally friendly products has been increasing. Natural herbs with high efficacy and minimal or no side effects have become more and more favored worldwide. Many domestic manufacturers now directly purchase processed artemisia powder or natural ice flakes from Luodian. "Luodian Artemisia argyi" has once again become a well-known and hot-selling traditional Chinese medicinal herb in the market.
Luodian Artemisia argyi has been listed as one of the varieties in the "Construction of Guizhou Authentic Traditional Chinese Medicinal Material GAP Test Demonstration Base" major project by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. The approval of "Luodian Artemisia argyi" as a geographical indication protected product provides brand protection for enterprises and increases their market competitiveness. It is of great significance to promote the industrial development of Luodian Artemisia argyi, enhance its brand and quality advantages, promote the development of "Luodian Artemisia argyi" production enterprises, and increase agricultural efficiency and farmers' income. Currently, nearly 40,000 mu (approximately 26.6 hectares) of Artemisia argyi have been cultivated, and 2 registered Artemisia argyi production enterprises have a comprehensive output value of nearly 200 million yuan.
Medicinal Value
Artemisia argyi leaves and branches can be processed into artemisia powder, which can be refined to produce natural ice flakes. The by-product is ice flake oil. Ice flakes have a pungent and bitter taste, a slightly cold nature, and belong to the heart and spleen meridians. Its pungent and bitter properties can disperse stagnant heat and have the functions of opening the orifices, awakening the mind, clearing heat, relieving pain, and promoting tissue regeneration. It is commonly used in the treatment of symptoms such as stroke, phlegm-induced convulsion, and high fever. It is often used in departments such as surgery, traumatology, ophthalmology, and otolaryngology. It has a moderate price, minimal side effects, and the best pharmacological effects. It has irreplaceable uses in many aspects compared to imported ice flakes and synthetic ice flakes, and has high economic benefits and medicinal value.
Origin
Luodian County is known as the "natural greenhouse," and Artemisia argyi is a characteristic ethnic medicinal resource in the county. Its special geographical environment, climate, and soil conditions are suitable for its growth. The wild Artemisia argyi is mainly distributed in the southern towns and valleys of the county, such as Hongshui River, Luo Su, Luo Tuo, Luo Kun, Gou Ting, Ban Ren, Long Ping, and Feng Ting. Artemisia argyi leaves are processed into artemisia powder through distillation technology, and the artemisia powder can be further refined to produce natural ice flakes that can inhibit the growth of Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, Luodian is one of the earliest counties in Guizhou province for the cultivation and processing of Artemisia argyi, and the processing and extraction of wild Artemisia argyi have become a traditional folk practice.
Product Protection
Introduction
According to the "Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products," the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine organized experts to review the application for the geographical indication protection of Luodian Artemisia argyi. After passing the review, Luodian Artemisia argyi was approved as a geographical indication protected product and the protection was implemented from March 13, 2012.
Scope of Origin
The origin of Luodian Artemisia argyi covers the administrative areas of 21 towns including Hongshui River Town, Long Ping Town, Mao Jing Town, Luo Kun Town, Feng Ting Town, Mo Yang Town, Feng Ting Township, Da Ting Township, Ba Zong Township, Luo Su Township, Luo Tuo Township, Luo Mu Township, Gou Ting Township, Ban Ren Township, Dong Dang Township, Ban Geng Township, Yun Gan Township, Dong Wang Township, Jiao Yan Township, Na Ping Township, Mu Yin Township.
Use of Special Logo
Producers within the origin of Luodian Artemisia argyi can apply to the Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau of Luodian County, Guizhou Province for the use of the "Special Logo for Geographical Indication Products." After review by the Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau of Guizhou Province and approval by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, it will be announced. The legally designated testing institution for Luodian Artemisia argyi is designated by the Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau of Guizhou Province.
Quality and Technical Requirements
(1) Variety.
Artemisia argyi (Blumea balsamifera(L)DC.) of the Asteraceae family.
(2) Site Conditions.
The origin of Luodian Artemisia argyi is mountainous with an altitude of 400m to 800m. The soil texture is yellow-red soil and sandy soil. The soil pH value is 5.0 to 6.5, and the organic matter content is ≥2.0%.
(3) Cultivation Management.
1. Seedling: Asexual reproduction.
2. Planting:
(1) Time: March to May each year.
(2) Density: Plant spacing is 0.8cm × 0.8cm, with 15,000 to 16,000 plants planted per hectare.
3. Environmental and safety requirements: The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other substances must comply with relevant national regulations and must not pollute the environment.
(4) Harvesting.
Both cultivated and wild Artemisia argyi are harvested from November to December each year.
(5) Quality Characteristics.
1. Sensory characteristics: The leaves are broadly elliptical or lanceolate, and they are covered with dense hairs on both sides. The aroma is cool and fragrant, and the taste is pungent.
2. Physical and chemical indicators: The fresh leaves have a levorotatory borneol content of ≥0.2%.
3. Safety and other quality technical requirements: Product safety and other quality technical requirements must comply with relevant national regulations.
